How to use the calculator
- Enter the object distance (do) in centimeters - this is the distance from the object to the lens.
- Enter the image distance (di) in centimeters - this is the distance from the lens to the image formed.
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the focal length.
- The focal length will be displayed in centimeters.
Working principle
This calculator uses the lens equation to calculate the focal length:
1/f = 1/do + 1/di
Where:
- f = Focal length of the lens
- do = Object distance from the lens
- di = Image distance from the lens
This equation is derived from the principles of geometric optics and applies to both convex (converging) and concave (diverging) lenses.
Applications
This calculator can be used in various fields including:
- Photography for understanding lens specifications
- Optics and physics education
- Designing optical systems
- Calculating image formation in cameras, microscopes, and telescopes